Heat Attack In Oregon, 100 People Died

The state of Oregon, became the area hit hardest by the heat attack. (photo credit: everett mcintire/unsplash)

JAKARTA - A heat wave that broke record temperatures hit the Pacific Northwest. According to authorities in Oregon, the condition is believed to be the probable cause of nearly 100 deaths in the US state.

State medical personnel, according to USA Today, have reported 95 heat-related deaths, 30 of which were caused by hyperthermia or excessive heat. In fact 64 deaths were reported in Multnomah County, including Portland.

A preliminary analysis of cases in Multnomah County noted that the first hyperthermic death from a heatwave was reported on 27 June. While most cases occurred on or after 28 June. The median age of the victims was 68 years. According to the analysis, the “majority of people” died at home, and many had underlying conditions. Between 2017 and 2019 there were 12 deaths from hyperthermia across the state.

"This tragic event is almost certainly a picture of the future for Multnomah County, Oregon, the nation and the world," said Public Health Director Jessica Guernsey in a press release.

“Climate change impacts with heat waves, severe winter weather, wildfires, floods and other effects are occurring today and will occur with greater frequency in the future,” Guernsey added.

Oregon Governor Kate Brown told CBS on Sunday that "this is a harbinger of things to come." They believe it is caused by global warming that continues to occur lately.

“We have been trying to prepare for climate change in this state for several years. What was unprecedented, of course, were three record-breaking hot days, and it was harrowing to see more than 90 Oregonians lose their lives. And we have to continue our preparedness work,” said Kate Brown.

Brown also declared a state of emergency and invoked the state's Emergency Fire Act to secure resources to fight the Wrentham Market Fire in the District of Wasco, Oregon.